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Traffic Matters

This page is intended to help you understand the dynamics within and your legal rights
during traffic stops. The information is further intended to help you mitigate your
damages including monetary costs and/or jail sentence received.

AS A DRIVER, WHAT MUST I DO IF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER STOPS ME?

Any time a law enforcement officer stops a motor vehicle you are driving/operating,
obey all orders and/or signals as quickly and precisely as the conditions and common
sense dictate:

1.Stop your vehicle immediately;2. Move your vehicle out of moving traffic if possible, if not just stop;3. Provide the officer with the following: * Your driver license; * Your vehicle registration (keep a copy, not the original, in your glove box)
and; * Your proof of insurance card.4. Cooperate with the officer. “Cooperation” is defined as answering any questions
you are comfortable answering. If you are in doubt, request an attorney and state
that you want any further questioning to be done in front of your attorney.

In general, your driver’s license is a privilege, not a right. Your driving privileges
are subject to the rules and regulations of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Registrar.
Compliance with those rules is necessary for maintaining your driving privileges.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF A STOP SEEMS UNFAIR OR ILLEGAL?

If a bona fide law enforcement officer has stopped you, you should follow that general
rule and “cooperate”. Provide the officer with all of your basic information, including
your drivers license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance card. You can also
request an attorney to be present during questioning. Generally comply with the officer’s
requests, even if the stop seems “unfair” or “illegal”. The time and place to “fight”
the ticket is in the courtroom with the benefit of legal counsel. Please note however,
you do not need to allow the officer to search your vehicle. If a citing officer
asks for your consent to search your vehicle, ask the officer if you are free to leave.
If the officer indicates that the stop is concluded, you may leave the scene of the
stop.

HOW CAN I CAPTURE EVIDENCE DURING A TRAFFIC STOP THAT MAY HELP ME LATER IN COURT?

Although it may be difficult due to the excitement brought on by the lights and siren(s),
try to concentrate. If possible, mentally keep track of the events; remember details;
the time sequence of events; landmarks and any discussion with others. To keep the
events fresh, , put all descriptions and all other information in writing and contact
an attorney as soon after the event as possible. (Is the stop light working properly?
Is the stop sign visible?) You may want to consider taking pictures of the area where
you were stopped or draw a diagram of the area where you were stopped. Make notations
regarding the amount of lighting in the area, the weather and the location of the
officers. Note the location of any posted speed signs, and note if they are clearly
visible or blocked by trees or overhanging bushes. Finally, obtain full names and
addresses of all witnesses.

DO I HAVE TO GO TO COURT IF I RECEIVE A TRAFFIC TICKET?

Some of the more common traffic misdemeanors are speeding, stop sign violations, parking
tickets, improper turning and lane changes, expired drivers license or license plates,
and minor automobile equipment violations. If this is your only traffic violation
within the last 12 months, it is a minor misdemeanor with a maximum potential penalty
of a fine of $150.00; no jail time can be imposed. If you have had two or more traffic
violations with in the last 12 months, the possible penalties could increase to a
possible jail sentence of 30 days and/or a fine up to $250.00 depending upon the number
of prior violations. If you are unsure as to when you received your last traffic
ticket, go to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles office at 4420 Heatherdowns Avenue, Toledo,
Ohio 43614 and get an abstract of your driving record.

If you are charged with a minor misdemeanor, you do not have to appear in Court unless
you wish to contest the charge. Most minor misdemeanor fines are determined from
pre-established fine schedules, which have been instituted by Judges for purposes
of uniformity in sentencing. Judges are not bound to follow the schedules in every
case and may deviate upward or downward depending upon the facts involved and the
defendant’s prior record. Frequently, these schedules are printed on the ticket or
citation, and you can pay the fine to the Violations Bureau by mail in lieu of appearing
in Court. Payment of a fine without a Court appearance constitutes a guilty plea
to the designated offense, which may be used against you in a subsequent civil proceeding.

You have the right to remain silent. Do not give explanations, excuses, or stories.
Save your defense for when you are in court. Tell the police nothing but your name
and address.

You have the right to have a lawyer. If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you have
the right to a free lawyer. Ask to see a lawyer immediately. Never talk to the police
without a lawyer present. Do not make any decisions about your case without talking
to a lawyer.

You have the right to make phone calls. When you are arrested, you are entitled to
make phone calls within the local area to a lawyer, bail bondsman, a relative or any
other person. It is a good idea to call a relative or friend first who can make other
calls for you.

You have the right to appear before a judge on the next court day for a hearing on
to establish bond. You may ask the judge to lower your bond or to be released "on
your own recognizance" (without bail). Do not hesitate to present to the Judge the
reasons why you should not remain in jail pending trial, even if you do not yet have
a lawyer.

HOW CAN I CONTEST MY TRAFFIC CITATION?

If you want to contest the traffic citation, you must appear in court.

1. The arraignment:

Your first scheduled court appearance before a judge is called an arraignment. At
this hearing, your identity will be orally confirmed, you will be informed of your
constitutional rights by the Judge, and the charge against you will be read. You will
be asked how you wish to plead: “guilty,” “not guilty” or “no contest”. If you plead
guilty or no contest the Judge will impose the sentence. If you plead not guilty,
the matter will be set for a trial at a later date.

2. The trial:

At your trial, the Judge will often only hear testimony from all witnesses, with the
State proceeding first. After each State’s witness testifies, the defendant is given
the opportunity to ask the person questions if the defendant so chooses (cross-examination).
The defendant is not required to call any witnesses when he/she presents his/her own
case. If witnesses do testify for the defendant or the defendant testifies, such
persons are also subject to cross-examination by the prosecuting attorney.

A defendant who represents himself/herself should carefully prepare his/her case in
advance, including preparing all questions to be asked of each witness. The questions
should be asked in a concise, objective, and non-argumentative manner. Diagrams prepared
before trial are sometimes helpful in traffic matters. If a defendant is not represented
by counsel and chooses to testify, the testimony can be in narrative form. The narrative
should be clear and concise, focusing upon issues directly relating to why the defendant
is not guilty.

If a person is found ‘not guilty” by the Court, there is no conviction and there can
be no sentence. Sometimes, no witnesses appear at trial for the State. If this occurs
the defendant should ask the Judge to dismiss the case against him/her “with prejudice”
(forever) because of the State’s failure to prosecute. The judge will normally grant
this request.

3. Sentencing:

If you are found guilty, the Court will normally consider the circumstances of the
offense, your past record, and any other helpful information before passing sentence.
You should be prepared to present such information to the Judge in an objective manner
before the sentencing occurs.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice, nor
is it intended as a substitute for legal advice. UT students who have questions concerning
the law or their legal rights may contact Student Legal Services, Inc. to arrange
an appointment. In order to maintain the confidentiality of your legal matters we
request that you do not send us e-mails about your case or to request legal assistance.
Please contact us by phone or in person.